Manatees in South Carolina

Every year, manatees migrate from Florida to South Carolina (S.C.) waters during the spring and stay through fall with peak sightings taking place during the summer. Manatees can be found in both fresh or salt water and movements into and out of S.C. are driven by changes in water temperature. Despite their large appearance, they have a relatively thin layer of blubber and need warm water to survive. Prolonged exposure to water temperature below 68F can lead to cold stress and potentially death; thus, making South Carolina unsuitable habitat during the winter months. Manatees prefer shallow warm water where vegetation is abundant, therefore South Carolina’s estuaries and tidal creeks are a desirable habitat for manatees. Manatees can use larger bodies of water for travelling to and from shallow estuarine areas as needed.

Manatees are large, herbivorous marine mammals with short, paired flippers and a distinct paddle shaped tail. On average, manatees reach lengths of 3.5 m (11.5 ft.) with females tending to be larger than males. Average weight is approximately 1000 kg (2200 lbs.). In the murky waters of South Carolina, only the small head is sometimes seen as the animal surfaces for air. Stiff vibrissae (tactile hairs) are present around the small mouth, and two circular-valved nostrils are situated on the top of the muzzle. The eyes are small with a small lid and nictitating membrane, a clear inner eyelid that protects the eye. External ear flaps are absent. Manatee pectoral flippers are flexible and aid in moving over the substrate, maneuvering in the water column, scratching, manipulating food, and embracing other manatees. The large tail is rounded and horizontally flattened for locomotion and steering. The tail is used to propel the manatee forward with a strong up-and-down pumping motion, which creates circular swirls on the surface of the water known as "footprints."

While manatees have no natural predators, they do face a variety of harmful threats including collisions with boats, harassment from humans, loss of viable habitat and food source, harmful algal blooms known as red tide events, cold stress and the effects of a changing climate.

Report an injured Manatee via the 24-hr SCDNR hotline at 1-800-922-5431 with details of location and injuries.

Report a healthy live manatee sighting (not injured) via the SCDNR Manatee Reporting Form

Support SCDNR manatee conservation work with donations directed to "SCDNR Manatees" by mailing a check to: SCDNR Manatee Program, P.O. Box 12559 Charleston, SC 29412.